The smart Concept #1 previewed at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich provides a clear insight into the first production model in smart’s new generation of all-electric vehicles. The near-production smart Concept #1 transfers very compact exterior dimensions and the traditional smart design into a new vehicle concept with a significantly higher premium and high-tech claim. The SUV concept vehicle takes the smart brand into the high-growth small and compact car segment. This is underlined by innovative details such as LED light strips at the front and rear with a rhythmic light show, ambient lighting including the footwell and a newly developed UI/UX concept with artificial intelligence. In true smart fashion, the interior of the electric SUV is very spacious in relation to its compact exterior dimensions.
The smart brand has been a pioneer of urban mobility since 1997. It stands for a sustainable and connected urban lifestyle. Its pioneering status was underlined again in 2019 when smart became the world’s first car manufacturer to switch completely from a combustion engine to electric drive only. With the establishment of the joint venture, smart Automobile Co., Ltd. at the end of 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Group are now turning to the next chapter in the company’s history. The two equal partners are developing smart into a leading global provider of connected, battery-electric premium vehicles for demanding customer groups. The development of the next generation of smart vehicles will take place in Geely’s global engineering network. The exterior and interior design will be created in the global Mercedes-Benz Design network.
Balanced proportions, a powerful sculpture, the usual short overhangs at the front and rear and a progressive design language characterise the SUV concept vehicle. One of the central design features is the large panoramic glass roof with a striking ring of light. The seamless transition to the windscreen and to the window surfaces of the frameless doors makes the roof appear to float above the body – an impression further enhanced by the atmospheric roof lighting. In exciting contrast to this visual lightness, striking design elements in anthracite and black in the lower body area emphasise the robustness of the sport utility vehicle. This is further accentuated by the distinctive 21-inch wheels with their unique design. A first hint of the new dimension of digitalisation of future smart vehicles is provided by the concealed door handles, which are merely indicated by light elements.
The new smart model generation has a powerful central computer that controls the four main domains: infotainment, driver assistance systems, electromobility-specific functions and the electric/electronic vehicle architecture (E/E architecture). Thanks to dynamic OTA software updates, more than 75% of all ECUs can be updated remotely on an ongoing basis. The next generation of smart models will offer the highest level of dynamic handling and passive safety. Moreover, the platform gives the vehicles multiple further benefits. These include a long battery life and fast-charging functions as well as a wide range of cloud-based over-the-air updates for vehicle software, as well as state-of-the-art infotainment features and highly innovative driver assistance systems. The range of functions to enhance comfort and safety is correspondingly extensive. For example, modern features such as a parking assistant, an evasive steering assistant, a motorway assistant and an emergency lane assistant will be available for the electric SUV.
